Monkey Mountain Phuket. Monkey Hill - cute and dangerous monkeys in Phuket, Thailand

Warm Asian country- it's not just sea, sun and beach, but also a lot of entertainment, attractions and magnificent scenery. In addition, this is a time for new acquaintances. This article will talk about such a place as Monkey Mountain in Phuket, how to get there and tips for tourists.

Monkey Hill (Monkey Hill - Phuket Monkey Hill or Khao Toe Sae) is a hill located near Phuket Town, which is famous for its habitat of a huge number of monkeys, who are absolutely not afraid of people and without fear take food from them and even tear off valuables from tourists.

There are three observation platforms on the mountain, of which one, the highest, deserves real attention. Those located below have a small viewing sector.

Visiting this place is free and you can stay there all day if you don’t get tired of it.

So, if you are wondering where to see monkeys in Phuket, inevitably visit this place. Of course, this is not the only place in Thailand where you can meet monkeys, but here their concentration can go off scale.

The map shows the location of the mountain.

Infrastructure

Besides the main attraction - the monkeys, there are several places that you can visit (once you have chosen the time and forced yourself to drive up the mountain), including:

1. Buddhist temple (located at the very base of the hill).
2. Chapel (located slightly above the temple and statues of primates and tigers attract attention here).
3. Observation deck overlooking the sea (the very first one along the ascent).
4. Observation deck with increased visibility.
5. Panoramic observation deck.
6. Cafe.
7. Stores where you can buy treats for monkeys.

The cost of a monkey treat is 20–30 baht

It is worth noting that the panoramic platform does not allow you to look around the island at 360 degrees, a maximum of 180, and then with some difficulties (many trees). So if the purpose of the visit is to enjoy the scenery, we recommend paying attention to Rang Hill, where the view is better, and there are not so many monkeys.

At the very top of the hill, contrary to popular belief, there are no platforms, there are towers located there cellular communications and a radio room. Therefore, getting here to see the towers is a debatable pleasure.

Rules of communication

Despite the fact that the monkeys are quite friendly in appearance and look almost tame, these are wild animals that have adapted to new conditions for themselves, which is why they pose a danger.

Most best option just watch the primate walk along the observation deck or bask in the sun in the wild. But everyone understands perfectly well that this is not enough for the average tourist and he will want to feed, or even pet the monkey. In such a situation, we recommend following these rules:

• You shouldn’t look the monkey straight in the eyes, as they perceive this as an open threat and may attack;
• do not smile at the monkey, it will be regarded as a grin with all the ensuing consequences;
• do not try to pick up a baby monkey, as its mother will, to put it mildly, not be delighted with this idea and may bite;
• It is a bad idea to pet primates, as this can lead to possible bites;
• if the monkey begins to bare its teeth, this is far from a smile, it is better to move away;
• Keep an eye on your children and never leave them alone with monkeys - these cute creatures can scratch or even bite;
• do not enter into conflict between two primates, you risk getting hurt.

Songthaews don't travel here, so be prepared to rent a tuk tuk or taxi. The cost of such a trip is 300 -400 baht.

If you move on your own, then from the Central Festival we move towards Phuket Town, and at the fork after a kilometer we turn left, and after another three kilometers, after the prison building, we turn left again, where the ascent will begin.

The road here is narrow, only one lane, you can drive a car, but you will have to constantly pass vehicles, descending from above. In addition, there are many pedestrians on the road from people who decided to walk up the hill.

Monkey Mountain opening hours are from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

So, Monkey Mountain in Phuket is a place that you will remember for a long time, especially if you take all precautions and follow the rule - you can look, but not touch! Don't forget to share your impressions of your vacation in the comments. They are needed for those who have not yet decided where to go and what to see.

Monkey Hill got its name because large quantity wild monkeys living on the slopes of the mountain. The furry inhabitants of the jungle sit along the road leading to the top and beg for a treat. Therefore, when going to Monkey Mountain (Thai name Khao Toe Sae), take bananas or nuts with you.

I will warn you right away: when dealing with monkeys, be extremely careful, do not try to pet the monkey, otherwise you risk being bitten or scratched.

You can climb the mountain by bike or car, but it is best to walk as there is not much parking at the top. In addition, the mountain is quite steep, and you will have to drive on the brakes the entire way back. On the way to the top there is an observation deck with views of Phuket Town. From here you can see the very beautiful Wat Khao Rang temple - it is easy to recognize by big statue Golden Buddha. By the way, at the foot of Monkey Mountain there is also Buddhist temple, but less beautiful than Khao Rang.

From the top of the mountain the view is a little worse - trees interfere, as well as large television antennas installed at the top.

Background information about Monkey Mountain

• How to get to Monkey Hill: From the Central Festival store you need to go towards Phuket Town. After 700 meters the road bifurcates - we take the left. Then we drive without turning anywhere for a little less than 3 km, we pass the cheerful building of the Phuket prison and after 200 meters we turn left - we have arrived.

Monkey Hill / Khao Toe Sae on the map

Video from Mount Khao Toe Sae

One of the interesting natural attractions in Phuket is Monkey Hill near Phuket Town. It got its name due to the huge number of monkeys that live there.

Get there getting to it is absolutely easy: if you take the Central Festival store as your starting point, then from there you need to drive 700 meters towards Phuket Town to the fork and turn left, then drive straight all the time for about 3 km, when you see the building of the Phuket prison, then after 200 meters turn left again and you'll find yourself at the base of Monkey Mountain.

You can climb the mountain itself by transport: a bike, scooter or car, but the descent from the mountain is quite steep, and you will have to drive down, constantly holding the brake. You can go up on foot, which is what everyone usually does local residents, using this mountain as a platform for fitness training. The ascent takes about an hour, and you will meet the first monkeys at the very beginning of the trail. On the way up, you will come across a restaurant where you can have a snack and which offers a good view of the surrounding area.

Monkeys on the mountain itself, indeed, a lot: some are just strolling nicely, others are hanging on trees, others are watching people with interest, others are fighting. You can feed the monkeys bananas and any other fruits, as well as nuts, and you can photograph them.

In addition to the animals themselves, there is also an observation deck on the mountain, which offers a magnificent view of Phuket Town. You can admire the Wat Khao Rang temple, which is not difficult to recognize by the prominent Golden Buddha Statue.

And at the foot of Monkey Mountain there is another, also very beautiful, Buddhist temple, built on a small hill and surrounded by tropical trees. On the way up there is a small chapel with many figurines of monkeys and tigers.

No matter how cute and harmless these little animals may seem, you need to remember precautions:

– Do not leave any things unattended, especially if you arrived in an open vehicle. Monkeys will not miss the opportunity to steal things that are dear to you and may have time to ruin them. The smartest representatives can even snatch the camera from a gaping tourist, so don’t let your guard down.

– Don’t forget that these are still wild, untamed animals, and their behavior can be unpredictable. You can feed them, but petting them is not recommended because they can bite. They can also be very persistent and even aggressive in demanding food from you. Do not resist under any circumstances, but give the monkeys what they ask for.

Be sure to take the time to see the cute monkeys in their natural habitat, because it can't be compared to any visit to the zoo.

View on map

Monkey Mountain is one of the most high points Phuket. The Thais call it Khao To Sae, and everyone else calls it Monkey Hill.

Description

There is a spacious observation deck on the mountain, from which you can see beautiful view in the vicinity of Phuket Town. However, most tourists come here not for the picturesque panorama, but to communicate with the inhabitants unusual mountain. The hill is home to several hundred wild macaques. It was thanks to them that Monkey Mountain received its name, as well as the status of one of the main attractions of the resort.

Local macaques are very friendly and sociable. They have long been accustomed to tourists and are not afraid to take treats from their hands. Some become so impudent that they beg for food from everyone passing by, sitting along the road. The inhabitants of the hill are peaceful and do not attack people. They know that guests come to their home with good intentions and, most importantly, not empty-handed. Don’t upset the hospitable hosts and also take some goodies with you on the excursion - for example, fruit.

At the same time, it is worth remembering that you are communicating with animals, and wild ones at that. Therefore, compliance with safety rules is a mandatory precaution. When hand feeding, do not try to pet the macaque, otherwise you risk being bitten. Do not leave your belongings unattended or in open bags or baskets, and do not tease the monkeys - they do not like this and their reaction to such pranks can be unpredictable. Keep an eye on your children and better not touch the baby monkeys: macaque macaque is scary when angry.

One Phuket resident delivers fruit to the hill every afternoon for its inhabitants. During his friendship with the monkeys, he taught them various tricks, which they gladly demonstrate in public.

After playing with the residents of Monkey Mountain, you can go to the observation deck. From it you can see almost the entire city, and with it the statue of the Golden Buddha. It is best to take photographs from this particular site - there is no point in climbing higher: at the top of the hill, TV antennas and trees interfere with the perception of the landscape.

You can climb the mountain on foot, or by bike or car. However, it’s not worth climbing to the very top by transport: firstly, because of the steepness of the climb, and secondly, because of the likely lack of spaces in the tiny parking lot.

Below, at the foot of Monkey Hill, there is a small Thai restaurant where you can relax and refresh yourself after a long walk.

Practical information

Location address: to Chae Road, Phuket, Thailand.

Coordinates: 7.898325, 98.395228.

The hill is open for independent visits 24 hours a day.

Free admission.

How to get there

From shopping center Central Festival Phuket drive towards Phuket Town for about 1 km. At the fork, turn left and drive another three kilometers. After passing the city prison building, be careful and do not miss the left turn, from which the ascent to Monkey Mountain begins.

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Monkeys are not uncommon in Phuket. Of course, you won’t find them on the beach, but in the jungle there are more than enough of them. There are special places on the island, by visiting which you can see how these animals live in natural conditions. One of these places is Monkey Mountain. There are quite a lot of monkeys here, you can not only watch them, but also feed them. However, do not forget about safety rules.

Monkey Mountain is one of the most interesting places in Phuket. It is located near Phuket Town. This name was not given to it by chance, since it is here that you can meet hundreds of amazing monkeys who have adapted so well to the constant flow of tourists that they are not afraid to go to a meeting and pose for a video camera.

Since Monkey Mountain is one of the highest hills on the island, it was advisable to create an observation deck on it. There are three of them here and they are all located at different levels. The first level offers a view of the sea; for convenience, it is equipped with benches and a cafe. The second one gives a little greater overview, which you can enjoy from the gazebo. But having climbed to the very top, you will see a stunning panoramic view of the capital of Phuket and the coast. Romance lovers come here for the magnificent sunsets. There is a special platform with benches here.

Monkey

The macaques that live on the hill are very sociable and friendly. Over the years, they have become so accustomed to guests that they are not afraid to approach tourists within the distance of an extended river. Monkeys can be seen everywhere, you will meet them along the entire route, and there are especially many of them in the area observation platforms.

There is no point in searching or calling macaques. Remember that the main interest for tailed animals is not your personality, but the delicacy that you bring for them. Animals love bananas, mangoes, nuts, and corn.

To enjoy communicating with them, you should not show everything you brought at once. Divide the bananas individually and put most of the nuts in your pockets. Otherwise, you will be forced to give them everything at once, since, having noticed a large piece of delicacy in your hands, they are unlikely to be interested in a small piece of banana that you sent them for tasting.

Precautionary measures

When going to meet the monkeys, do not forget about safety precautions. After all, monkeys are wild animals and it is unknown how they will behave in a given situation. Therefore, adhere to the following rules:

1. You should not try to pet the animal, as this may result in a bite. In Thailand, macaques are carriers of various diseases, including rabies. It’s unlikely that anyone would want to spend all their time in a hospital instead of a hotel.
2. Avoid eye-to-eye contact with animals; they perceive this as aggression.
3. Keep all your belongings with you, especially phones and cameras. Cases when animals take away equipment from tourists are common, so it’s better not to take risks. In addition, hide jewelry, glasses and other elements that can cause increased interest in your personality.
4. If you see monkeys fighting, stay away from them, and also do not approach those who show their grin.
5. Be especially careful when interacting with the little ones. Remember that their mother is walking somewhere nearby and she may perceive any wrong movement as a threat to her child.

How to get there?

Getting to Monkey Mountain is not difficult, since it is located in Phuket Town. I would immediately like to point out that the songthaew routes do not go there, which means you will have to use a taxi, tuk-tuk or rented bike.

If you are coming from, then you should move towards Phuket Town. After driving about a kilometer, you will see a fork where you need to turn left. After 3 kilometers a prison building will appear in front of you. After it, after about 200 meters, you need to make another left turn and you will arrive at the foot of the desired hill.

There is an asphalt road leading to the top, which allows you to continue your journey by transport. Most people come here on motorbikes, but you need to be extremely careful during the descent, as there are sharp changes in height and you need to constantly keep your foot on the brake to control the speed.

The local population generally loves to conquer the mountain on foot. This ascent can take about an hour.

Monkey Mountain on the map

You can see the exact location of Monkey Mountain in Phuket on this map.

If you are on holiday in Phuket, be sure to take time and go to Monkey Mountain. This is much better than a zoo, and entry to it is absolutely free.